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Gene therapy to regenerate heart muscle

Photo: Thinkstock

During a heart attack, blood flow to the heart tissue is cut off, often causing portions of the heart muscle to die and scar tissue to form. But what if these damaged heart cells could regrow so that normal heart function was restored? Scientists have observed this phenomenon in some types of amphibians and fish but not in mammals.

However, early research using pigs as stand-ins suggests that growing new heart cells may one day be possible in humans. As described in Science Translational Medicine, researchers used a gene involved in cell division and replication (called cyclin A2) that normally shuts off after birth. They administered the gene into pig heart muscle a week after a heart attack. Six weeks later, the damaged heart tissue had regained some of its ability to contract, and new heart cells had formed near the area of damage in the treated group but not in the controls.

Daily Health Tip

Exercise is the best medicine

Don't fixate on your cholesterol, blood sugar, or blood pressure numbers. What really makes a difference is exercise. As little as 15 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days of the week can help lower your cardiovascular risk.